Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to South Korea, stating that it would be making "a big mistake" if it decides to arm Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. This warning follows Seoul's announcement that it was considering such a possibility, a response to the recent Russia-North Korea defense pact.

In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Putin threatened retaliatory measures against South Korea should it proceed with supplying arms to Ukraine. "Moscow will... [make] decisions which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea," Putin declared during his visit to Vietnam. The Russian leader had just concluded a visit to Pyongyang, where he signed a mutual defense agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Putin emphasized that Moscow might arm Pyongyang if the U.S. and its allies continue their military support for Ukraine. "Those who supply these weapons believe that they are not at war with us. I said, including in Pyongyang, that we then reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world," he asserted.

South Korea's national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, had previously indicated that Seoul might "reconsider the issue of arms support to Ukraine" in light of the Russia-North Korea agreement, which Seoul views as a threat to its national security. Following Putin's remarks, South Korea's presidential office stated on Friday that it would explore "various options" for supplying arms to Ukraine, noting that its final decision would depend on Russia's actions.

In protest against the Russian-North Korean pact, South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador, Georgy Zinoviev, demanding an immediate halt to military cooperation with Pyongyang. Although South Korea has provided humanitarian aid and non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine, it has so far adhered to an official policy of not supplying lethal weapons to countries in conflict.

The evolving alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang has intensified calls within Ukraine for South Korea to change its stance. Analysts predicted that Ukraine would leverage Putin's visit to North Korea to apply further pressure on Seoul. During the visit, Kim Jong Un pledged "full support" for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and evidence suggests that Russia has already been deploying North Korean missiles in the conflict.

The U.S. National Security Council's spokesman, John Kirby, commented on the agreement, expressing concern for regional peace and stability. He reiterated warnings about the growing defense relationship between Russia and North Korea. Similarly, Japan voiced its apprehension, with government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi labeling the pact "unacceptable."

Analysts warn that the treaty could have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to North Korea openly arming Russia and Russia intervening in any new conflict on the Korean peninsula. The situation on the Korean border remains tense, highlighted by a recent incident where North Korean troops briefly crossed into South Korea, marking the third such occurrence in less than three weeks.

As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, aware that the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea could significantly impact global security dynamics.